HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-21 Council MinutesAGENDA
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KENAI CITY COUNCIL -REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 21, 1998
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http://www.ci.kenai.ak.us/
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. CERTIFICATION OF OCTOBER 6, 1998 CITY OF KENAI ELECTION
4. Agenda Approval
5. Consent Agenda
*All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and
non -controversial by the Council and will be approved by one motion.
There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council
Member so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the
Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda
as part of the General Orders.
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 minutes)
ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 1797-98 -- Removing the Current KMC 14.20.150 and
Replacing it With a New KMC 14.20.150 that is Compatible With Recent
Changes in the Land Use Table and Which Provides for Closer Scrutiny
of the Effects of Each Conditional Use Permit.
2. Ordinance No. 1798-98 -- Appropriating $45,000 in the Senior Citizen
- Borough Grant Fund for the Purchase of a Handicap -Accessible
Vehicle.
3. Ordinance No. 1799-98 -- Amending the Kenai Municipal Code,
Chapter 6.05 by Adding Section 6.05.145 Entitled, "Absentee Voting in
Person."
4. Ordinance No. 1800-98 -- Amending KMC 6.05 to Allow and Set
Procedures for Special Elections By Mail By Adding Subsections
6.05.300 Through 6.05.340.
5. Ordinance No. 1801-98 -- Appropriating $113,000 for Improvements
at Cunningham Park.
6. Ordinance No. 1802-98 -- Removing From the Kenai Municipal Code
the Word "Advisory" From the Names of the Harbor and Library
Commissions and Deleting the Name "Advisory" From Certain
references to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
7. Resolution No. 98-74 -- Adopting the City of Kenai, Alaska 1999-2000
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Priority List for Request of State
Grants.
8. Resolution No. 98-75 -- Awarding the Bid to Kachemak Electric, Inc.
for the Kenai Recreation Center Fire Alarm System ADA Upgrade - 1998
for the Total Amount of $26,244.
9. Resolution No. 98-76 -- Supporting a Joint Venture Effort of the City
of Kenai and the Alaska Department of Parks & Outdoor Recreation in
Developing a Wayside Park at Birch Island.
ITEM D: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
4. Library Commission
5. Parks & Recreation Commission
6. Planning & Zoning Commission
7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
a. Beautification Committee
b. Historic District Board
C. Kenai Visitors & Convention Bureau Board
d. Alaska Municipal League Report
ITEM E: MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of October 7, 1998.
ITEM F: CORRESPONDENCE
1. *R.Ross Memorandum regarding dates the revised airport development
contract will be submitted to Council and Airport Commission.
ITEM G: OLD BUSINESS
ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS
1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
3. Approval -- Change Order No. 7/Alaska Regional Fire Training Center
Alcan General, Inc./$66,787.00
4. Discussion -- Proposed Library Addition Fundraising Strategy
ITEM I: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1.
Mayor
2.
City Manager
3.
Attorney
4.
City Clerk
5.
Finance Director
6.
Public Works
7.
Airport Manager
ITEM J: DISCUSSION
1. Citizens (five minutes)
2. Council
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
' OCTOBER 21, 1998
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
htty : / f vwwv. ci . ken ai . ak. u s
MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 7:02 p.m. in the Council
Chambers in the Kenai City Hall Building.
A-1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Williams led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A-2, ROLL CALL
Roll was taken by the City Clerk. Present were: Bookey, Swarner, Moore, Bannock,
Smalley and Williams.
Absent was: Measles
l A-3. CERTIFICATION OF OCTOBER 6, 1998 CITY OF KENAI
IMT W%^PPT 0%1kT
Clerk Freas reported the following information:
CITY OF KENAI
REGULAR ELECTION OF OCTOBER 6, 1998
WE, the members of the Kenai City Council, do hereby certify the results of a
canvass of the ballots for the Regular Election of October 6, 1998.
FOR MAYOR:
WILLIAMS, JOHN J. 552
WRITE-INS 58
FOR CITY COUNCIL:
BOOKEY, JAMES C., III 468
MOORE, JOE 464
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 2
WRITE-INS
53
***********************************************************************************************
SPOILED BALLOTS:
ABSENTEE BALLOTS
RECEIVED: (In person,
Personal Representative,
Mailed)
QUESTIONED BALLOTS
RECEIVED:
MOTION:
0 ABSENTEE BALLOTS
COUNTED:
66
QUESTIONED BALLOTS
COUNTED:
5
67 POLL VOTER TURNOUT:
613
TOTAL VOTER TURNOUT:
684
10 REGISTERED VOTERS:
4,728
% VOTER TURNOUT:
15%
Councilman Smalley MOVED to certify the City of Kenai Regular Election of October
6, 1998 and Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion. Councilman Smalley
requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections. SO ORDERED,
A-5.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
ADD TO: C-8, Resolution No. 98-75 -- 10 / 19 / 98 Brian D . Miller Letter,
Arctic Lights Electric, protesting the bid process for the award of the Recreation enter
fire alarm system upgrade bid to Kachemak Electric, Inc.
SUBSTITUTE: H-2, Purchase Orders Over $2,500 -- Substitute includes
amount for purchase order to Tundra Communications of $4,776 and adds a
purchase order to Charlotte's Inc. for ARFF catering.
REMOVE: H-4, Discussion -- Proposed Library Fundraising Strategy
(discussion will be held at a future meeting).
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED for approval of the agenda as amended and requested
UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no
objections. SO ORDERED.
A-6.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor reported he had no changes to the Consent Agenda.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 3
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED for approval of the consent agenda as presented and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED,
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS -- None.
ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS
C-1. Ordinance No. 1797-98 -- Removing the Current KMC 14.20.150 and
Replacing it With a New KMC 14.20.150 that is Compatible With Recent
Changes in the Land Use Table and Which Provides for Closer Scrutiny
of the Effects of Each Conditional Use Permit.
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1797-98 and
Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Williams asked permission to have council speak to the ordinance and then
take the matter back to the public for comments.
Councilman Smalley explained the information in the ordinance had been discussed
at three Planning & Zoning Commission meetings and it received public testimony at
each. Some of the concerns stated by the public were that changes to the ordinance
would make acquiring a conditional use permit easier and an application would not
receive as much scrutiny. Smalley continued, he believed the city addressed those
issues as well as the Commission. Williams asked what the Commission's overall
feeling was of the final document. Smalley answered, the Commission had mixed
feelings as to what was being changed and why.
Debbie Sonberg -- Sonberg stated she was more comfortable with the wording
changes suggested by the Planning 8. Zoning Commission. She added, she was not
sure why wording was used from the Seward Land Use Table as it was significantly
different than Kenai's, i.e. more like Kenai's used to be with an added statement that
blanks were not permitted. She suggested Kenai research back going into what the
Borough had as it would be found the city's was constructed directly related to what
was listed as conditional and permitted with the permitted receiving P's, conditional
receiving C's and there was nothing put in for the blanks because it was assumed
they were not permitted.
Sonberg added, she felt the bigger issue was the Land Use Table. However, some of
the wording changes made to the ordinance before them made the rest of them feel
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 4
more comfortable. Williams asked Sonberg if she were to apply for a conditional use
permit after the ordinance was effective, what would be her comfort level with the
ordinance (knowing she would have to comply with and adhere to the rules developed
in the ordinance) . Sonberg answered, she felt someone applying would have the
same battle she and her neighbors went through in the past. She added, she didn't
really think the ordinance would fix anything and the residents would be just as
frustrated as her group was as well as the applicants. She continued, part of the
problem was the application process where the applicant is supposed to bear the
burden of proof, but there is nothing in the application process that clearly spells out
how they meet guidelines. She suggested the application process be investigated
more thoroughly and potential permit applicants and residents together with city
administration help develop a new application process as it may ease the overall
process.
Williams stated the city was faced with a real dilemma in the platting requirement in
regard to encroachments and easements. As it is now, the process is cumbersome.
The city ouncil went through a long period of time when there were no safety checks
and guards and it all came to light during the 80's crash. There were many
encroachments needing conditional use permits. Williams added, the concern was
how to write an ordinance strong enough to be workable, but lenient enough to
please everyone.
Sonberg stated it was more the whole package than the ordinance as areas have
been fixed. She added, she was not sure how recently the whole ordinance had been
reviewed and was not sure a situation like the one affecting her neighborhood could
be avoided for either the applicant or residents.
Moore asked Sonberg to give her suggestions of what could be done with the Land
Use Table. Sonberg answered, similar to what she suggested with the application
process. She added, she didn't think the public understood what was going on when
the land use table was being changed. Advertisements on a specific issue do not give
enough information. Before studying the city's zoning, a land use table to her was a
statistical table of land uses. She added, she didn't think the public was aware every
zone had been changed. Williams asked Sonberg if she felt comfortable enough with
this document to move it in as an ordinance with other repairs to be made to the
ordinance in the future. Sonberg answered, if it was the council's focus and goal,
she thought it okay.
Vesta Leigh -- Referred to her letter that was attached to the ordinance document.
Leigh stated she didn't see any change of language that would give the citizens of the
city a better chance of knowing when someone has applied for a conditional use
permit. She suggested signs be placed on the applicant's property in order for
neighbors and residents outside of the 300' radius to be better informed. She added,
she did not feel the 300' radius requirement of notice is enough. She requested her
suggestion be addressed.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 5
Leigh referred to 14.21.050 which refers to what the applicant has to do before the
Commission. During her neighborhood's concerns in January/ February, she
continued, the applicant did not describe the building, height, stories, width, etc.
She stated, she believed if an applicant is to give descriptive information regarding
the building to be built, the applicant should have to offer that information. She
added, she did feel the ordinance was a better step than what the ordinance required
prior to the changes made.
Williams referred to Leigh's suggestion of a sign placed on the applicant's property.
He noted there are vinyl signs available at a nominal fee. He asked, how the public
or applicants might feel if they had to post a sign on their property for 30 days in
order to advise the citizens of their application for a conditional use permit. Attorney
Graves reported there were a number of communities in Washington and California
that require a sign. Most of the communities on the Kenai Peninsula require the 300'
radius notice as Kenai requires. Graves added, he could develop an ordinance to
require a conditional use permit applicant to post a sign for two weeks or thirty days
for introduction at the next council meeting.
Swarner stated she felt that would be a good idea, however the problem she saw was
in a subdivision with not many residents, there was no guarantee the sign would be
seen. However, the certified notice would also be sent. Leigh suggested size of letters
should also be specified. Swarner requested an ordinance be prepared. Williams
agreed and requested the local sign companies be contacted to investigate pricing
that may affect the applicants.
Graves stated it was the administration's thought that if an ordinance be enacted,
the city would make the signs available for the applicant. This would ensure one
type of sign is used, pursuant to the city's standard for size and lettering. He added,
there are companies from which these signs can be purchased for this type of use.
Moore asked if the ordinance would delineate what information should be included
on the sign. He noted, he did not want to see a sign that said "conditional use permit
applied for" as no one will know for what matter the application has been requested.
He added, he would like the sign to include wording, "contact City Hall." Graves
stated, their thought was the sign would provide the location, applicant, the general
nature of the application and notation for further information, "Please contact City of
Kenai Planning & Zoning Department." If someone requests further information, a
copy of the application can be provided.
Smalley reported in Long Beach, Washington an affidavit from the city is posted on a
property (a power pole, etc.) for which an application has been made along with the
city's phone number. He added, he would like the city to post the sign in order to be
sure the posting has been completed. Smalley noted, he supported an ordinance to
that effect.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 6
Bannock referred back to Ordinance No. 1797-98 and stated, while he agreed with
Sonberg the ordinance did not necessarily answer a problem, he disagreed the
problem was with the Land Use Table. He used as an example, D(1) "the use is
consistent with the purpose of this chapter and the purposes and intent of the
zoning district." Bannock stated, there was no conceivable way a conditional use
permit could be passed for a gravel pit in any type of residential area with that
requirement in the ordinance. He continued, the city was faced with a dilemma:
either eliminate the possibility of a gravel pit in a residential area from the Land Use
Table (which would create an interesting situation since most of the gravel pits in
Kenai are in a residential area), or allow the ordinance to stand as it is. He added,
the council was trying to make the rules of a conditional use permit so that everyone
moving into a residential neighborhood could be assured only another residence can
move into the neighborhood. However, the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Table
may something different.
Bannock continued when the debate opened on this document, he believed the goal
was to eliminate the conflict between the code, Comprehensive Plan and the Land
Use Table. He added, the ordinance before them did not do that and he would not
support the ordinance. Bannock noted, he recognized the flaws of the ordinance now
in place, he didn't believe this would fix the problem.
Williams stated, the question remained, how extensive of an overhaul would be
needed to fix the system using this ordinance and the upcoming ordinance regarding
notification and how the whole issue could be addressed to develop a better overall
planning program. Bannock suggested, if an overhaul is required, it would not be
possible without looking at all three documents simultaneously (Comprehensive
Plan, conditional use code, and Land Use Table) so all can be developed in harmony
with each other.
Williams suggested going forward with passage of Ordinance No. 1797-98 and during
upcoming budget hearings, address the issue of additional funding for the Planning
& Zoning Commission to use a professional consultant to help them review the code,
Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Table. Moore stated he thought that would be an
excellent approach. Bookey agreed and added, he believed all three documents have
to be addressed at the same time as Bannock stated.
Williams requested administration to include funding within next year's budget for
an overhaul of the Planning 8v Zoning code, Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Table
(including funding to hire a consultant to work with the Planning &Zoning
Commission to do the work).
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: No Smalley: Yes
Williams: Yes
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 7
MOTION PASSED.
Graves asked if it was council's intention to forward the ordinance regarding
conditional use permit application notification by signs to the Planning & Zoning
Commission first. Answer was yes.
C-2. Ordinance No. 1798-98 -- Appropriating $45,000 in the Senior Citizen
- Borough Grant Fund for the Purchase of a Handicap -Accessible
Vehicle.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1798-98 and
Councilman Smalley SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Williams noted the ordinance stated $35,000 of
Senior Center fund balance would be offset by a grant of $10,000 (if awarded) and
any donations received. Swarner added, the $35,000 was in the Borough's
unencumbered fund balance. Moore noted, he understood $10,000 would come
from the Senior Connection and $35,000 would be from the Senior Center fund
balance, which would be offset by the grant (if awarded) and any donations received.
He questioned the grant "if awarded." Acting Senior Director Kelso explained, the
Center submitted a grant proposal to the Rasmussen Foundation and if received, the
amount could be for approximately $6,000. If this funding is received, it would go
toward the $35,000 so that not all of the fund balance would be used. Moore noted,
the ordinance would increase the unencumbered fund balance to cover the total cost
of the van. Kelso answered yes.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-3. Ordinance No. 1799-98 -- Amending the Kenai Municipal Code,
Chapter 6.05 by Adding Section 6.05.145 Entitled, "Absentee Voting in
Person."
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1799-98 and Councilman
Moore SECONDED the motion.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 8
There were no public or council comments. Clerk Freas explained, the ordinance
added instructions for absentee balloting to the Kenai Municipal Code. The
instructions were not anything different than what was already done, but only
included the information into the code.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-4. Ordinance No. 1800-98 -- Amending KMC 6.05 to Allow and Set
Procedures for Special Elections By Mail By Adding Subsections
6.05.300 Through 6.05.340.
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1800-98 and
Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion.
Clerk Freas explained, the ordinance would add information into the code to allow
the City of Kenai to have the ability to hold special elections by mail. Ballots would
be mailed out to all the registered voters within the city if council determined this to
be the avenue they wanted to take for a special election. She noted, the Borough had
been holding elections by mail for several years for special and service area elections
and had great success. Freas added, with the initiative that came forward (with no
petitions returned) several weeks ago, it would have given the city another vehicle in
order not to have an election at which there would be poor voter activity, but
expenses would be incurred.
There were no public comments. Williams stated he would not vote in favor of the
ordinance because he felt it was the responsibility of the voter to go to the polls to
vote. He added, before doing a mail -in election, he would want the Division of
Elections to purge the voter list to better identify the voters are in the area. Also, he
was concerned with the wording regarding witnessing of ballot return envelopes. He
noted, the wording did not delineate whether the witnesses were city residents,
registered voters, from another country or state, etc. He asked if this should also be
addressed in the ordinance.
Freas explained, in absentee balloting by mail, the envelopes must be witnessed for
the city, state and borough. This allows people who are in another state to be able to
vote an absentee ballot. It would be doubtful the person would have someone from
the City of Kenai available to witness the envelope. Williams stated, he was looking
for an attempt for someone to abuse the system in some way.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 9
Bannock asked Freas if the ordinance was essentially the same as what the Borough
had on their books. Freas answered, yes. Bannock asked, would the code change be
used only for special elections. Freas answered, yes. Bannock asked how many
special elections the city had held in the past 20 years. Freas answered,
approximately two. Williams stated that could be more of reason not to include the
ordinance in the code. Bannock stated he believed it might be better to have it on
the books so that if the need for special election arises, it would cost less to hold the
election by mail and easier for a write-in for a special election. He added, he didn't
believe the city would hold a special election by mail if the matter was a $5 million
bond issue. However, there may be times a special election may be required.
Bannock stated, for special election purposes, he felt this would be excellent to have
in the code should the need arise. Williams stated, the cost of democracy is being
ever diligent in your watch and would not support the ordinance.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: No
MOTION PASSED,
C-5. Ordinance No. 1801-98 -- Appropriating $113,000 for Improvements
at Cunningham Park.
MOTION.
Councilman Bannock MOVED for the approval of Ordinance No. 1801-98 and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Williams noted the total cost of the proposed
improvements would be $100,000 and the $13,000 would pay for the engineering
and administrative costs for the project. Moore asked what the project would entail.
Public Works Manager Kornelis explained they were investigating bank stabilization,
a boardwalk and improvements to the existing boat ramp. He added, for a second
phase, they were investigating the upgrade of the parking lot, but if that was done, it
would be a separate project. Kornelis also noted, the boardwalk would be wooden
and would be placed in front of the city's one lot.
Kornelis added, the Kenai River Classic had a subcommittee who would be involved
with the planning and development of the plans. Swarner stated she was concerned
costs often escalate on projects such as this.
Bookey asked if the $13,000 the city was appropriating with the ordinance was in -
kind donations or actual cash. Kornelis answered, $12,000 would be for costs for
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 10
outside engineering. The remaining $1,000 will cover administrative costs, i.e. plan
reproduction, advertising, etc.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-6., Ordinance No. 1802-98 -- Removing From the Kenai Municipal Code
the Word "Advisory" From the Names of the Harbor and Library
Commissions and Deleting the Name "Advisory" From Certain
references to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1802-98 and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
There were no public or council comments.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-7. Resolution No. 98-74 -- Adopting the City of Kenai, Alaska 1999-2000
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Priority List for Request of State
Grants.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED for adoption of Resolution No. 98-74 and Councilman
Smalley SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Williams informed the public the city was
requesting state funding for road development ($2.5 million), design of a new
maintenance shop ($1 million), offsetting and mitigating problems caused by the
dipnet fishery ($1 million), and for remodeling City Hall after the Public Health
Nurses move to their new building ($500,000).
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 11
Moore questioned whether the south side of the river was included in the dipnet
fishery funding request. Kornelis explained, the cost for the south side project would
be approximately $800,000. It was not included because a request had been
submitted to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Foundation (EVOS) for grant funds.
Swarner asked if an answer had been received from EVOS in regard to the request
for funds for the south side of the river. Kornelis answered, he received a letter
recently and they suggested the city consider applying for another grant for a study
of the dipnet fishery problems. This would be funding for a study, not as a
construction project. Swarner stated, she felt the south side of the river also needed
to be addressed. Although the city was hoping to receive grant funds to be used on
the south side, it was important the south side of the river be included in the future
plan.
Moore asked if access and parking could be added to the list and what affect it would
have on the list. Bookey stated he had no problem putting a program together for
the south side dipnet fishery, but during their last discussions, council had agreed
on this list. He added, he would be hesitant to add anything to this list that might
affect the city's chances of receiving EVOS funding. Bookey continued, he believed
the city had a better chance of receiving EVOS funding for the south side than
receiving funds from the state for the north side.
Smalley agreed, he believed that was what their discussion included in making the
list so the EVOS project funds would not be jeopardized. Smalley added, he would
support not adding funds for the south side. He continued, if a study needed to be
done, one could be done, but work could continue to be done on the south side. He
agreed, this item needed continuing attention.
Williams noted, the Salamatof Native Association was actively pursuing access to the
beach from the Borough. He added, he was not sure if that will affect plans the city
had with EVOS. Kornelis explained, that was discussed during the hearing he
attended. He noted, the present access was on a section line easement, north of
Salamatof s proposed road to the beach. He added, there would be no change; people
would be getting onto the beach further south and would still travel up the beach.
The problems with vehicles driving on the dunes and private property, etc. would
continue. Kornelis added, the letter he received from EVOS suggesting the city
submit a grant application to cover costs of a study suggested the study include both
sides of the river (how to handle the dipnet fishery and the people) .
Moore stated, if the city is relying on EVOS to handle concerns regarding the south
side of the river, he felt the city should shut the south side down for a season. That
would get some reaction from those who wanted to fish and action beyond a study
may be received from EVOS. He added, he didn't believe there would be any action
on the south side if the city agreed to a study. Moore continued, he didn't oppose
not adding the item to the list, but didn't want the south side ignored and rely on a
study to answer the problems there.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 12
Smalley stated, he didn't think the city had the authority to shut the fishery down on
the south side as it was a public beach. He added, he didn't have opposition to
Moore's idea, but felt it would be difficult to do. Moore agreed and added, there were
high tide and private property issues at question which could be enforced.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-81 Resolution No. 98-75 -- Awarding the Bid to Kachemak Electric, Inc.
for the Kenai Recreation Center Fire Alarm System ADA Upgrade - 1998
for the Total Amount of $26,244.
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 98-75 and Councilman
Bookey SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Acting City Manager Semmens reported, he,
Attorney Graves, Building Official Springer, and. City Engineer La Shot met and
discussed the letter distributed to council and added to the agenda at the beginning
of the meeting. (The letter was an obj ection from Arctic Lights Electric, protesting the
bid process for the award of the Recreation Center fire alarm system upgrade bid to
Kachemak Electric, Inc.) . Semmens continued, relevant statutes were researched
and felt the resolution presented was fine and that the concerns stated in the letter
were addressed because the low bidder did have the required licenses and permits or
had a subcontractor lined up who did have the licenses and permits. Semmens
added, they also felt the bid process was in order.
Moore stated, the issues raised in Arctic Lights' letter were very serious accusations.
He added, he would rely on administration's opinion that everything was above
board. He questioned the fact that Kachemak Electric was using an outside
engineer/ company to provide the required certification process on the system. He
asked if that information was submitted with the original bid and if not or if so, how
would that affect the awarding of the bid.
Semmens explained, the city requested the appropriate licenses, etc. Received was a
copy of the electrical contractor's license which was what they understood was
needed. Later it was determined there was another permit needed. That permit was
produced via a subcontractor. Administration felt that was adequate, even though
that particular item may not have been included in the original bid. Semmens
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 13
continued, from time to time, there are items inadvertently omitted from bids, but if
the item can be produced timely, administration feels it is in the best interest of the
city not to throw out a bid for that kind of a technical infraction of the bid process.
Moore asked if the bid then would be considered responsive instead of non-
responsive. Semmens answered, correct.
Mark Cialek - Kachemak Electric. Cialek stated, the bid process required the
licensing and he provided it. State regulations for installation of fire alarm systems,
the electrical administration license (which he submitted) was needed. To certify the
system they needed to be under the "supervision of and they were which also could
be produced. Cialek added, he had been through the same process with the State
DOT on several projects and the licensing had not failed as far as the state was
concerned. Also, he had corresponded with the State Fire Marshall and had passed
all state regulations. Cialek added, he had done certifications both in the City of
Kenai and the City of Soldotna and they passed. As far as the credentials and
licensing, it had been established for many years. He continued, he produced the
forms requested in the bid process.
Bannock referred to the letter from Arctic Lights Electric and requested clarification
in regard to the bid of the project. He noted, it appeared the city requested bids for
the project twice. According to Mr. Miller (Arctic Lights Electric), they were the low
bidder the first time but the project was over budget. The city then requested a rebid
using a more expensive system. Bannock asked if the project was rebid because the
city was over budget and did the city rebid something more expensive than originally
rebid.
City Engineer La Shot explained, the first bid had specified a zone -type system. The
second bid reflected a different addressable -type system. Originally, they believed
there would be a great difference in material costs for the two systems. Later, they
found the cost difference was not that great and for ease of maintenance they felt the
second system would be best. At that time, the city put the project back out to bid.
Bannock asked if La Shot agreed the system was more expensive or less expensive.
La Shot answered, administration was led to believe the material costs would be less
than $2,000 additional which was at what the second bid came in. He added, one
bid increased and one decreased and the order of the bids changed. Bannock asked
if it was true the Building Official claimed the project was over budget. La Shot
answered, in speaking with the Building Official, he didn't believe that was the
reason for rebidding.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 14
C-9. Resolution No. 98-76 -- Supporting a Joint Venture Effort of the City
of Kenai and the Alaska Department of Parks 8v Outdoor Recreation in
Developing a Wayside Park at Birch Island.
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 98-76 and Councilman
Moore SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Williams reported he had secured letters of support
from principals of four local schools in regard to using such a park as a student trip
destination for historical and anthropological review. Letters had also been received
from Alan Boraas, Kenai Chamber of Commerce and the Kenai Visitors & Cultural
Center. The letters have been forwarded to Mr. Tolley at DOT.
Williams stated he would also write a letter to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe (KIT) to
inform them of the proposed activities and ask them for their comments. Bookey
stated he was glad Williams would notify KIT because council had previously
promised they would advise KIT of any future projects within the city that may affect
their heritage. Bookey stated he would vote in favor of the resolution.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
BREAK TAKEN: 8:14 P.M.
BACK TO ORDER: 8:29 P.M.
ITEM D: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
D-1. Council on Aging -- Councilwoman Swarner reported Kelhe Kelso had
been hired as the new Senior Center Director and would begin work in that capacity
November 19, 1998. Kelso stated she was excited to have the opportunity to serve as
the director of the Senior Center. Council congratulated her on her new position.
D-2. Airport Commission -- No report. (The Ross memorandum, included
at F-1 on the consent agenda was acknowledged. Copies were available for the
public.)
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 15
D-3. Harbor Commission -- Bookey reported a meeting was held on October
12. At the meeting it was reported the dock was closed and the floats pulled for the
winter. Also, the Commission discussed enlarging the boardwalk at the duck flats
and asked if it would be possible to include that project with the Birch Island project.
Williams stated it would be doubtful as the cutoff date for inclusion on the project
list was October 12. However, the project could be included on the next list which
would be developed in two years.
Williams noted an error at Page 2, paragraph 5 -- Peter's Marsh should be Potters'
Marsh.
Clerk Freas noted the Harbor Commission had requested to change their November
meeting from November 9 to November 2 due to expected absences. Council had no
objections.
D-4. Library Commission -- Councilman Moore reported the minutes of the
last meeting were included in the packet. He reminded council and members of the
audience, the Friends of the Library still had tickets to sell to their fund raiser. The
Commission's next meeting would be held November 3. The Commission was still
needing a student representative.
Smalley stated he would pass the information on to the High School. He also
suggested the school be advised and request a notice be included in the school
paper. Williams reported he would be visiting the government classes on November
16 and will pass the information on as well.
Moore also reported the library would be closed from November 19 through
December 7 during painting and installation of new carpet.
Williams referred to a rough draft of information regarding developing an RFP to hire
a fund raiser consultant in regard to the proposed library expansion which was
included in the packet. Williams stated, he spoke with a member of the Commission
and made some suggestions. The Commission would like to delay discussing the
matter until budget time because they would be requesting seed money from the city.
The Commission was also requesting to have help from City Attorney Graves and
administration in developing the RFP and job description. Williams added, more
than half of the money to hire the consultant would come from donations from the
Friends of the Library and other sources.
There were no objections to including this discussion in the budget preparation work
sessions.
D-5. Parks & Recreation Commission -- Councilman Bannock reported the
next meeting would be held November 5. Director Frates reported a few members of
the Commission toured the city parks, including the new student representative.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 16
They discussed what was done this year and the plans for the various parks for next
year.
D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission -- Councilman Bannock reported for
Councilman Smalley the Commission met on October 14. At the meeting, the Stiers
Home Occupation Permit was reviewed. Public testimony was taken. The permit
was approved. Bannock added, one of the neighbors inquired about the appeal
process. Clerk Freas reported no appeal had been received to date.
Bannock also reported the junk car ordinance was discussed. The matter will return
for public hearing.
It was noted the Commission's first meeting in November would fall on Veterans'
Day. The Commission requested council to cancel the meeting. There were no
objections from council.
Swarner questioned where Triple T Autobody was located. Bannock answered, on
Beaver Loop Road. Bannock added, both Triple T and Peek -a -Boo Daycare had
applied for Home Occupation Permits which would be before the Commission for
public hearing at their next meeting.
D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
D-7a. Beautification Committee -- Councilwoman Swarner reported the
Committee met on October 13. During the meeting, they requested their meetings of
November and December be cancelled (which is done yearly) and they reconvene in
January. Council had no objections to the request. Swarner added, if any of the
audience or council had suggestions for flowers for next summer, please contact her,
Frates, or a member of the Committee.
D-7b. Historic District Board -- Councilman Moore reported the next
meeting was scheduled for October 26. He noted, one of the members had informed
administration she would not be able to attend the meeting which would mean there
would not be a quorum unless council appointed a new member. Council referred to
the applications in the packet and noted Mike Huhndorf had recently been a member
of the Board and had a desire to be reappointed. Williams stated his desire to
reappoint Huhndorf. There were no obj ections from council.
D-7c. Kenai Visitors 8a Convention Bureau Board -- Councilman Bookey
reported the next meeting was scheduled for November 18.
D-7e. Alaska Municipal League Report -- Councilman Smalley reported
there was no meeting held since his last report. Smalley reminded council the AML
Conference would begin on November 6 in Fairbanks.
ITEM E: MINUTES
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 17
E-1. Regular Meeting of October 7, 1998.
Approved by consent agenda.
ITEM F: CORRESPONDENCE
F-1. R.Ross Memorandum regarding dates the revised airport development
contract will be submitted to Council and Airport Commission.
Item was included on consent agenda. Williams noted, the contract would be back
before the Airport Commission at their November 12 meeting and council would
formally address the contract at their November 18 meeting.
ITEM G: OLD BUSINESS -- None.
ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS
H-1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED to pay the bills and Councilwoman Swarner
SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED for approval of Substitute H-2 and Councilwoman
Swarner SECONDED the motion.
Clerk Freas reported the amount of the purchase order to the caterer for the ARFF
grand opening was only a portion of the money budgeted for the celebration. At this
time, the activity matter was under budget.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-3. Approval -- Change Order No. 7/Alaska Regional Fire Training Center -
Alcan General, Inc./$66,787.00
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 18
Williams requested council review and act on each portion of the change order
separately.
Tim Orthmeyer -- Morrison-Maierle, Inc. Orthmeyer recommended approval of the
change order. He continued, issues surfaced during the project. Some were
previously denied, however Alcan General decided to pursue them with Morrison-
Maierle and the city in order to support the subcontractors. There were several
negotiated settlements he wanted to identify which involved approximately $40,000
in costs.
Item No. 1: Additional Snow Melt Tubing Costs. Orthmeyer explained,
between the time the project was bid and the time the materials were ordered, the
supplier sold out to another company and that company would not honor the original
quotes. Morrison-Maierle fully supported the requested increase costs of $17,377.
The FAA had agreed and verbally approved the funding as an eligible cost on the
project. Orthmeyer added, they felt it was something beyond the control of the
contractor. The city portion of cost would be $543.00.
Item No. 2: Effluent Building Electrical Equipment. Orthmeyer explained,
Morrison-Maierle came to the conclusion from their discussions with Alcan, they
would support the increased costs for this equipment. He added, they felt the
information may not have been clearly identified on the electrical drawings, but felt
they were defined on the mechanical drawings. They believe it was more of a
coordination issue. FAA has also agreed to approve the additional costs. City cost
would be $465.00.
Item No. 3: Acoustic Sound Panels. Orthmeyer explained, this item had been
discussed to a great extent between the contractor and supplier. Morrison-Maierle
denied their claim and requested the panels be replaced. In order to do this, the
situation lent to a situation where the end result after the replacement of panels
could be of poor quality again and the contractor would again ask for reimbursement
on the whole amount ($15,000). In an effort to come to an agreement, Morrison-
Maierle felt if they agreed to split the cost and the contractor would do the best job
possible in replacing the panels, everyone would come out ahead. Orthmeyer added,
the cost increase was $7,500. The FAA agreed to participate in the cost. The city's
cost would be $234.00. Orthmeyer explained, this was one of the items which was
negotiated and they felt it would be in the best interest of all parties to come to an
agreement on the replacement of the item.
Item No. 4: Concrete Floor Cupping and Curling. Orthmeyer explained, the
pouring of the concrete in cold weather didn't allow for good protection of the
concrete. Morrison-Maierle felt the contractor could have done a better job as the
contractor had experience in pouring concrete in the winter. He added, this was
another negotiated settlement to which Alcan had agreed. The actual cost was
approximately $21,000 to correct the curling at the joints of the concrete. The
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 19
settlement cost Alcan agreed to was $8,57 1. The FAA did not agree to include this
item in the eligibility part of the project. The $8,571 would be a full cost to the city.
Item No. 5: Equipment Shelter Roof. Orthmeyer explained, this item was
basically a communication problem between Morrison-Maierle and the contractor. A
detail was shown on the drawing, but perhaps was not properly referenced. During
construction, Morrison-Maierle was asked to provide an interpretation of the
drawings and in doing so, gave the contractor the wrong elevations. Morrison-
Maierle allowed the contractor to proceed with the work because it was a time and
scheduling issue with Symtron in getting the equipment installed. They discussed
the matter with City Engineer La Shot and agreed Morrison-Maierle would pay the
costs if it would not be approved by anyone else. FAA agreed to participate in the
cost of the item and the cost to the city would be $498.00.
Item No. 6: Relocating the Air Compressor. Orthmeyer explained, during
design it was decided to place the air compressor in an open area on the mezzanine
level in the apparatus bay area. When classes began, it was decided having the
compressor there was too noisy and it was relocated into the mechanical room. FAA
denied participation in this extra cost. Cost to the city would be 100% or $2,513.00.
Orthmeyer continued, the overall cost of the change order to the city would be
$12,521 and Morrison-Maierle recommended approval of the change order.
Swarner asked if all the items were completed before council was requested to
approve the change orders. Orthmeyer answered, that was correct. Semmens
pointed out, some of the items were not a typical type of change order council would
normally expect to have an opportunity to approve in advance. Semmens continued,
Item No. 1 would not be an item that could be brought to council in advance to
request approval of the change. There were several of the items that were not the
type to receive pre -approval.
Moore stated he believed Item No. 1 would be something that could have come to
council for pre -approval due to the time between the award of the bid and the notice
to proceed was issued. Williams noted Item No. 1 had been discussed extensively
between the contractor, engineer, subcontractor, and city. He added, they were
trying to clean up the remnants of change orders on the books. Williams asked
Semmens if the $12,521 would be appropriated from the Airport Fund. Semmens
answered, yes, the funding for the project came from the Airport Special Revenue
Fund and adequate funds remained in the contingency of the project. No additional
appropriation would be required. A budget transfer would be required to the
construction account.
Williams stated his concern of the equipment shelter room because of the
miscommunication regarding the concrete block wall and lowering of the roof which
caused a drastic modification to the project. Williams asked who was at fault.
Orthmeyer answered, a drawing in the drawing package identified the building
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 20
heights. The elevation shown and structural details did not clearly identify the
elevation needed. When the contractor started to put this together, he called a
member of Morrison-Maierle's staff who gave them the wrong elevation. Orthmeyer
added, in essence Morrison-Maierle gave the wrong information and the
responsibility falls on them. Continuing, Orthmeyer stated, Morrison- M aierle were
prepared to absorb the costs in regard to this item if necessary. Since FAA was
willing to share in the cost, they would be willing to share in the local costs.
Bookey stated he could probably go along with all of the items in the change order
except Item No. 4. He continued, it seemed this should have been a situation that
was understood when the concrete work was begun in the middle of the winter.
Bookey added, he would not support Item No. 4.
Bannock stated, he was disappointed in that none of the items had changed since
last discussed. He added, he didn't consider Items 2 through 6 any changes, but
catch -ups. Bannock stated he would vote no on the change order.
Williams noted, if council approved the change order, the costs would be covered on
a 93/7 basis with FAA. He added, he thought Item No. 4 should be paid because the
city requested a fast -tracked project and the contractor was trying to stay out of the
weather and continue pouring the concrete. There was a lot of labor in the grinding
of the floors, etc. to smooth the floors and ready them for tiling. There were all local
subcontractors working on this item.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to pay all the change orders except Item No. 4.
Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
Bookey stated, unless there would be mitigating circumstances explained to him, he
would vote in favor of the motion. Orthmeyer explained, the concrete curling issue
was one his company denied, Kluge & Associates denied, and Wm. Nelson &
Associates denied since the very beginning. Because Alcan General still felt it was a
legitimate claim, they negotiated with Alcan. Morrison-Maierle agreed to bring the
$8,571 forward for council's consideration. Orthmeyer added, Alcan had incurred
approximately $21,000 for this item.
Swarner stated she did not support the motion because she did not support change
orders coming after the fact.
Purnal Whitehead -- Stated the concrete work was based on a risk factor the
contractor took. The concrete contractor was trying to get a jump start on the
project, but got caught with weather (which is the risk factor). He continued, they
had to proceed on some items (electrical equipment) and couldn't stop to get approval
from the council. Not all the costs were available and that was why the items were
after the fact.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 21
Semmens reported, including this change order, there was approximately $32 1,000
in positive change orders added to the project, a $122,000.20 negative change order,
and approximately $198,000 in change orders. Semmens continued, of the
$321,000, $254,000 was grant eligible and approximately $67,000 (including this
change order) was the amount the FAA chose not to participate in; and $37,000 of
the $67,000 was a change order relating only to the ESI portion of the building.
Williams noted from the information Semmens gave, $198,000 was actual payments
in change orders of an $8 Million project or 2%. Semmens added, the project began
with approximately $300,000 in contingency. Prior to this change order there was
$117,000 in the contingency account. If the entire change order was approved, there
would be approximately $50,000 left in the contingency account.
Bannock stated, to be fair, the $100,000 was not actually cost savings, but was the
reduction in cost of the audio/visual equipment. Fire Chief Elson explained, in the
beginning a proposed budget was presented to council that included a $400,000
audio/visual system. At that time, that price was deemed too high and denied.
Subsequently, a figure of approximately $220,000 was presented, which was close to
the actual cost. He added, he didn't think the $400,000 was ever used as part of the
actual budget for the project.
Williams encouraged council to strongly consider approval of the whole change order.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: No Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: No Smalley: No
Williams: Yes
The vote was three yes and three no. MOTION FAILED.
Orthmeyer explained, through the whole course of the project, they were fortunate to
have Alcan General as the contractor. They were very professional, they absorbed a
lot of costs they didn't bring forward, the project was one of the best managed he had
seen, and the quality of work reflected the high quality end product the city received.
Orthmeyer added, a large number of changes were owner -requested, i.e. the well
system, etc. involving approximately $147,000. If the audio/visual system was not
included, there was approximately $50,000 additional costs from change orders.
Orthmeyer stated, Alcan and their subcontractors were very fair throughout the
whole project. It was a very complicated and unusual project. Some parts of the
project were new to the subcontractors. In fairness to the contractors on a number
of the issues, was why they are supporting the change order. He added, Alcan
General is one of the best contractors, in his experience, with which Morrison-
Maierle has worked.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 22
Bookey asked why FAA said no on the concrete. Orthmeyer answered, they basically
felt the contractor being from Anchorage and having done a lot of work in Alaska,
should have known better how to deal with working in cold weather conditions.
Bookey stated he totally agreed and that was one of the reasons he would not
support that item.
Councilman Bannock offered a motion to approve the change orders, Items 1 and 2
but no second was received.
Williams stated, all the work was done by local subcontractors and in cold weather.
He continued, the amount of money spent on propane to keep the project going was
above the $21,000 the contractor actually claimed the concrete work cost him.
Williams added, he would vote to approve all the items. Swarner asked when the
concrete was poured. Orthmeyer answered, in January. Swarner stated she
probably would have supported the item if it had been brought to council at the time.
She added, she objected to bringing the request forward after so many months had
passed and after the work was completed
Norm Kaas -- Norm's Plumbing & Heating. Kaas stated, he was on the project from
the beginning to the end and Alcan General was one of the best contractors with
which he had worked. He added, the subcontractor doing the concrete was from
Soldotna. The weather in which he did the work included wind, rain and snow. The
subcontractor spent far more money for cold weather protection than he had in his
budget and never asked for additional reimbursement. Kaas added, if he
remembered correctly, the problem with the concrete was discovered some time after
the concrete was poured. It wasn't until they began laying the linoleum and
carpeting the problem was discovered and this was why it took so long to bring it to
council.
Kaas continued, during the project he heard there were less change orders brought
to council on this project than many of the projects the city has done in the past.
The project was complex and Alcan used all local contractors that were qualified to
do the work. That was what the council, city and community wanted. When looking
at the overall costs of change orders against the total cost of the project, he believed
it was small.
Williams requested Orthmeyer to define the difference between claims and change
orders. Orthmeyer explained, a change order is when something is not accounted for
in the plan and a change needs to be made. A cost quote is then received for the
contractor to provide the services. A claim may be submitted when work is done to
meet the schedule, even though approval had not been received from project
management. Orthmeyer noted, the concrete subcontractor could have chosen not
to pour the concrete in December/January and waited until when the weather was
more favorable, however the subcontractor was committed to meeting the project
schedule and it cost extra to do it. Continuing, Orthmeyer stated, the subcontractor
could have done the pour for less money if he had waited, however, he would then
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 23
have been fighting the schedule at the end of the project. In reality, the
subcontractor completed his work two or three months in advance.
Orthmeyer added, some of the items before council were costs involved when the
subcontractor went ahead with work at their own cost and filed a claim later in the
project, stating they felt they were entitled to the extra costs. Orthmeyer pointed out,
the sound panels and concrete claims were negotiated in an effort to come to a
conclusion of the project without going to litigation, etc. The subcontractors were
offering to make a settlement on the items in order to complete the project. The
negotiations of the settlements took several months.
Orthmeyer added, FAA felt most of the items before council were legitimate claims
and have agreed to support payments (sound panels, etc.) in an effort to complete the
project.
Semmens stated, from a financial perspective, the amount of change orders was very
minimal for a project this large. He added, his personal experience had been that
sometimes general contractors will get a bid with the intent to bring significant
claims at the end of the project. Semmens added, it was the administration's
recommendation that all the items be approved. He continued, he spoke with City
Manager Ross prior to his leaving town and they discussed the change order
requests. Ross had no objections to the approval of all the items and pointed out
that with FAA participation in the majority of the items and that the money will be
going to local contractors, should add weight in the decision. Bookey stated he
concurred except for the one FAA did not approve.
City Engineer La Shot stated, when the city -requested items were removed (well @
$147,000, support of the ESI structural trainer @ $137,000), the percentage of
change orders to this large project was impressive. He added, he was instrumental
in getting the project pulled together and saw the first four items discussed back and
forth, some from almost the beginning of the project. Based on the project manual,
the first four items could be denied, however in his experience, when there is an
argument that stays with the project for a long time, there is some merit to the
requests. La Shot noted, they waited intentionally to get a good knowledge of the
budget before bringing the items to conclusion. They met with Mr. Fike of Alcan and
was impressed Fike was concerned to have the cost of the subcontractors covered.
Most of the money involved in the change order would go to subcontractors.
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED to approve Change Order No. 7 as submitted.
Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
Smalley explained, council had discussed each item of the change order individually.
From the beginning the project was fast -tracked by council. He believed this was a
situation where the contractor attempted to meet the city's request. It was a
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 24
tremendous boost to the local economy. The facility would continue to be a boost to
the local economy. Smalley continued, he felt more comfortable after hearing the
discussion, presentations and the city's position stated at this meeting. When the
city fast -tracks a project with this magnitude, he added, he felt the city accepts some
responsibilities. Two percent or less is a very low amount. Smalley stated he would
support the motion and encouraged council to do so as well.
Williams stated he agreed with La Shot's statement that an argument that survived
to the end of the project had merit. He added, he would support the motion.
Councilman Moore asked if this would be the last possible change order. Williams
answered no. Williams noted, the funds to pay the costs would be from the project
balance. No additional funds would be taken from the Airport Fund to cover these
costs.
Orthmeyer stated, they did not foresee any more major change orders, as far as the
contractor's perspective. However, there may be some items the city may want to
add to the project. It was their understanding Alcan General had no other
outstanding issues to bring forward and Morrison- M aierle saw no others related to
Alcan General and the overall part of the project. Swarner asked if any unexplained
change order items had already been purchased. Williams answered, no.
Moore asked, if this change order was denied, could the items come back on a future
change order. Williams stated he would hesitate to do that in order to find out what
the residual funds would be to determine whether several clean-up projects could be
done with the remaining funds (additional paving in front of the bay doors to keep
gravel and dirt from being carried into the building on the heated concrete floor) .
Moore suggested the matter be tabled until the next meeting when there would be a
full council. Williams stated he was hesitant to do that and felt the change order
should be dealt with because months were taken to prepare the document, etc.
Smalley stated, council was looking at the potential of a three/three vote which
would be a no vote and the issue would gone. He added, the matter could be
resolved at a meeting with a full council.
Orthmeyer stated they would like to see the project come to a close as would the
contractor. From their perspective, they would like to begin on project close-out
paperwork. He added, there would be some seeding and clean-up that would be
completed next spring. This change order embodied the major issues.
AT EASE: 9 :41 P.M.
BACK TO ORDER: 9:50 P.M.
Alan Poynor -- 509 Ash Avenue. Poynor stated he had never worked on a project of
this magnitude, but on small projects. On his company's projects, they
automatically build in a ten percent contingency and are happy when they stay
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 25
under. Poynor urged council, since the funds would go to local contractors and in
order to support local contractors, to pay the change order.
Williams reported there had been three local contractors who bid on the concrete
work and two bowed out when finding out the risk in the cold weather concrete work.
He added, with the contractor taking the risk and doing the concrete work early, the
project was completed about three months sooner. The additional cost of $8,000
would probably have been offset by the cold weather work that would have been done
by Norm's Plumbing, Jahrig Electric, etc. With that in mind, the completion of the
project could have been pushed to February of 1999. Williams added, this was a
cheap way to get out from under a fast -tracked project that would have cost a lot
more if the contract had been delayed.
Bookey stated, he felt there was some merit to Williams' statement, however he
would not support Item #4 because it had been denied by the FAA, Kluge 8.
Associates, and Nelson & Associates. He added, his concern was the merit of the
request. Bookey noted, as a contractor and he had been on the other side of the
table with similar matters. If the subcontractor had been in the audience to discuss
the matter with council, it may have made a difference.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to amend the motion to approve the change order less
Item No. 4. Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
VOTE:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: No Moore: Yes
Measles: Absent Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: No
Vote was four yes, two no. MOTION PASSED.
Bannock stated he appreciated Poynor's comments in regard to costs. He added, he
would have liked there to be a better name for the requests than "change orders" (he
looks at change orders as something actually changing the plans, something being
removed, actually differing from the original) . Bannock added, he wished what they
were voting on was a direct appropriation from the contingency fund. He asked, if
the change order passed, would the monies come from the contingency fund.
Semmens answered, all the money for the change order would come from the
contingency fund and on the revenue side, the FAA would participate at the end of
the project through an allowance for change orders up to 15% of the project (which
the project will be under) through additional grant funds for those items they
identified in which to participate. Semmens added, there will be a budget transfer in
the amount of the change order to the construction account. Approximately $49,000
will be then left in the contingency account.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 26
VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION:
Bookey: Yes
Measles: Absent
Williams: No
Swarner: No Moore: Yes
Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Vote was four yes, two no. MOTION PASSED.
Orthmeyer stated, on behalf of Morrison-Maierle, he thanked council for their being a
part of the city's project. He commended the city on proceeding with the project and
were confident of the project's success. Orthmeyer also thanked the city staff as they
were very professional, supportive and helpful throughout the project. They were
second to none. This had been a very enjoyable project for him. Williams stated it
had been a pleasure working with Morrison-Maierle as well.
Williams asked if council decided to do additional paving at the ARFF, would FAA
participate in the costs. Orthmeyer stated additional parking at the building may be
favorable to FAA, but without presenting it to them, it would be hard to say.
Williams noted there is a parking problem at the building because they were unaware
there would be as much of a need as it turned out. However, he was talking about
additional paving from the bays. He added, he believed 30 to 40 feet of additional
paving would be needed there. For additional parking, additional land would be
required from the University.
Williams requested administration to determine what funds are left after the whole
project is completed as well as existing needs for the project and see if additional
paving could fit into that program.
H-4. Discussion -- Proposed Library Addition Fundraising Strategy
Removed from the agenda.
ITEM I:
I-11 Mayor
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
a. Economic Development Administration Discussion -- Williams
reported Bernie Richert (EDA) visited Kenai recently and reminded him through
others that EDA would have liked to have participated in one of the city's recent
projects. Williams requested council's permission to continue discussions with Mr.
Richert in regard to possible funding for either the ARFF or as a grant to the
Challenger Learning Center. Williams added, EDA's participation would depend on
what the congressional delegation may be able to do in regard to funding for building
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 27
a warm storage building and hose tower for the ARFF as well as acquiring additional
land (from the University) for the ARFF.
Bookey stated he would like to head in that direction, but preferred being more
favorable to the ARFF program than the Challenger project if there was a choice.
Williams added, he would speak to the congressional delegation first.
b. Public Opinion Survey -- Some suggestions were given in the updating
of the Survey document:
1. Questions 2 & 3: Are redundant.
2. Question 17: Add Beautification (flowers)
3. Question 24: List all of the city parks individually; include the
Senior Center; ski trails; and tent campground (there was some
hesitation to include tent campground since the residents of
Kenai will be receiving the survey and it is doubtful they are
users of the campground.)
Council was reminded, the survey would be a discussion item at the November 4
meeting and was asked to bring any additional suggestions to that meeting for
discussion/ review.
Moore noted the Library Commission requested to include some questions on the
survey in direct regard to the library. They will be preparing questions during their
next meeting.
C. FAA Football Field -- Williams questioned the placement of "Pop
Warner Football" signs which had been placed at the FAA football fields. Parks 8s
Recreation Director Frates explained, the Pop Warner Association wanted to place
some sponsorship signs, however they did not receive approval prior to placing the
signs. Frates added, the issue was being handled and the signs should have been
removed.
Frates continued, discussion still needs to take place with the Association in regard
to approval of placement and whether they will be seasonal signs. Williams
suggested a specific area where the signs will be placed be selected. Bookey
suggested the construction and setting of the signs be specified, i.e. size, level,
square, etc.
Administration was requested to report back to council in regard to the signs at the
November 4 meeting.
d. Five Iron Heights Land Sale -- Attorney Graves reported
approximately 20 information packets have been taken out from City Hall. There
were also packets available at the Library. No bids had yet been submitted. The bid
deadline is November 3.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 28
I-2, City Manager -- Acting City Manager Semmens reported they were
pleased with the choice for the new Senior Center Director. He added, City Manager
Ross would be back to work on Monday.
I-3, Attorney -- No report.
I-4. City Clerk -- Clerk Freas noted there had been 14 people who absentee
balloted on October 19 and reminded council and audience absentee balloting was
available up to the November 3 election in the council chambers or at the Borough
building.
I-5. Finance Director -- Semmens referred to the Quarterly Investment
Report included in the packet. He cautioned, bond yields were dropping drastically
and he added, he was not ready to make projections as to how this would affect the
city's revenues.
Semmens also reported the new IBM AS 400 computer was installed and the
conversion was going well.
I-6, Public Works -- No report.
I-7, Airport Manager -- No report.
ITEM J: DISCUSSION
J-11 Citizens
Debbie Sonberg -- 410 Cinderella Street. Sonberg noted the following:
a. she enjoyed the flowers throughout the city during the summer and
appreciated the efforts of the Beautification Committee;
b. would get an application for the Student Representative to the Library
Commission from the internet;
c. she gets excellent road service and would like the information passed on to
the appropriate individuals;
d. thanked City Clerk Freas for the meeting calendar.
Williams noted the ARFF grand opening would be open to the public at 4:00 p.m. on
Friday, October 23. Everyone was invited.
J-2. Council
Bookey -- No comments.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 1998
PAGE 29
Swarner -- Thanked administration for the float plane basin information
included in the packet. She noted, from July 1992 to June 30, 1998, $13,991.07
was received in float plane rental fees and construction cost was $1.6 million.
Moore -- Asked if the pavement break on First Avenue would be paved prior to
winter. Kornelis explained that it would not be paved until spring as the asphalt
plant contractor had already put his machinery away for the winter. The area was
too big for the city's equipment to pave.
Bannock -- Thanked Tim Orthmeyer and Purnal Whitehead for attending the
meeting, as well as Norm Kaas. He added, he appreciated the local hire issue and
the economic spin garnered from the project.
Smalley -- Also thanked Orthmeyer and Whitehead for their involvement in
the project. Smalley also reminded council and mayor to review the draft AML Policy
Statement. He encouraged them to bring comments and suggestions to the AML
Conference in Fairbanks where it will be finalized.
Airport Manager Atha stated he calculated it may take a century to pay off the capital
expense for the float plane basin from user fees. However, he believed a lot could be
done with the facility and it could be aggressively advertised, etc. He encouraged
council not to give up on the facility. Swarner stated she supported the marketing of
the facility, but was not interested in putting more money into it.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:26 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and,submitted by:
0-<"JKrf4e41-/ t-PPV.0VED BY COUNCIL
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
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